Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698931169390.pdf (Malaysia)
PARLIAMENT MALAYSIA THE FIRST MEETING OF THE THIRD SESSION OF THE THIRTEENTH PARLIAMENT 9 MARCH 2015 ROYAL ADDRESS BY HIS MAJESTY SERI PADUKA BAGINDA YANG DI-PERTUAN AGONG ALMU’TASIMU BILLAHI MUHIBBUDDIN TUANKU ALHAJ ABDUL HALIM MU’ADZAM SHAH IBNI ALMARHUM SULTAN BADLISHAH Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Rahiim Alhamdulillahi Rabbil ‘Alamin Wabihi Nasta’iin Assalamualaikum Warahmatullaahi Wabarakaatuh and Greetings President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Members of the Senate and Members of the House of Representatives.
1 Alhamdulillah, We express Our utmost gratitude to Allah The Almighty, for it is with His Munificence, and with His Leave, that all of us are gathered here today for the Opening Ceremony of the Third Session of the Thirteenth Parliament.

Honourable Members, 2.

We call upon all Honourable Members to make this session of Parliament as the most opportune time to open a new chapter, with a positive mindset and determination, in view of the trials and tribulations faced by the country throughout 2014.
We hope that these adversities will serve to strengthen our resolve to forge a better future as a prosperous and sovereign nation.

3.

In Our view, the Government has done its best throughout 2014 in managing the economy and administering the country.

We are now seeing positive changes resulting from the National Transformation Policy.
This policy encompasses the overall agenda for national transformation through the Government Transformation Programme (GTP) and the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) helmed by Our Prime Minister, enabling the country to continuously prosper and gain international respect.

4.

The country was beset with several unforeseen incidents such as the tragedies of flights MH370 and MH17 and the unprecedented floods in several states.
The Raja Permaisuri Agong and I are saddened, and pray that the families of the victims will find peace and closure.

The Raja Permaisuri Agong and I also sympathise with the people affected by the unprecedented floods and pray that they will remain strong in the face of adversity.

2 5.
2 5.

We express Our appreciation to Government officials, security forces and all parties comprising non governmental organisations, corporate bodies, youth and women’s groups as well as individuals who have shown a tremendous spirit of volunteerism in providing assistance to the flood victims.

Armed with courage and fortitude, supported by strong economic fundamentals, the people and the country are well-poised to build a sustainable future.
We are very confident that amidst all these hardships, there will be blessings from the Almighty, Insya-Allah (God-willing).

Taking a lesson from this calamity, We would like to remind all that the recent spate of natural disasters is not solely due to climate change but also due to greediness in exploiting nature.

Thus, We urge all parties to balance the need for development and the preservation of the environment.

6.
6.

We also hope that the process of providing aid and rehabilitating the infrastructure in the flood-affected areas will be implemented expediently.

These include building and repairing homes that were destroyed or damaged by the floods.

Our Government’s initiative to rebuild permanent houses in as quick a time as possible using a uniform design is commendable.

This would enable the victims to move on with their lives.
Thus, We would like all parties including the state governments to work together in this recovery process.

The Government, state governments and all parties including those on the ground, must always be prepared in terms of disaster management so that future disasters can be dealt with more effectively.

3 Honourable Members, 7.


We congratulate the Government and Our Prime Minister in particular, for once again creating history when Malaysia was elected as the Non-Permanent Member of the UN Security Council for the period 2015 to 2016, and appointed as the Chairman of ASEAN 2015.

These clearly indicate continued recognition by the international community of Malaysia’s leadership at the international front.
Indeed, these achievements should be a source of pride for all of us as they elevate the country’s standing to greater prominence.

8.

We welcome the continued efforts to strengthen security and public order especially with regard to the threat of insurgents in Sabah, and to curb the spread of extremism, such as militant activities of the Islamic State.

Consequent to the tabling of the White Paper relating to the militant threat, the Government plans to legislate anti-terrorism laws.
We appeal to the people to be wary of this group’s propaganda, and to monitor our own families so that they will not fall prey to this doctrine that misconstrues the concept of jihad in the name of religion.

Let us all embrace the teachings of Islam in its true essence.

9.

Alhamdulillah, We are thankful that the economy is still expanding amid the challenging global environment such as the plunging prices of crude oil and commodities as well as fluctuating currency.
This is because Our Government has put in place clear strategies and measures to ensure that economic and fiscal fundamentals remain strong and resilient to sustain national development and the well-being of the people.

We congratulate Our Prime Minister for taking proactive measures by 4 streamlining key economic policies and consolidating fiscal policies in tackling these challenges.
In this regard, although the Government’s revenue will decrease, economic development will remain balanced, inclusive and sustainable.

Development plans for the welfare of the people are not sidelined, but will in fact continue especially for the benefit of the lower and middle-income groups.

Thus, We call upon the people to be united, confident and positive during these challenging times so that every undertaking will work out as planned, God-willing.

10.
10.

We are confident that the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) will help strengthen the country’s fiscal position.

Therefore, We appeal to the people to make this initiative successful as it has been implemented in many other countries, and reap its long term benefits.

Meanwhile, We call upon the Government and the people to intensify enforcement and monitoring to prevent businesses from exploiting GST to increase prices to the extent of burdening the people.

Honourable Members, 11.


The Tenth Malaysia Plan (2011-2015) concludes this year, and to ensure continuity of the country’s socio-economic development, Our Government will soon table the Eleventh (11th) Malaysia Plan (2016-2020) in this august House.

The formulation of the 11th Malaysia Plan has been more challenging as it also has to focus on flood mitigation and post-flood rehabilitation measures besides addressing global challenges.
We hope that all Honourable Members will debate the plan constructively for the well-being of the people.

All parties should strive together to develop the 5 country, since we have only five years to achieve our goal of becoming a high-income developed nation by 2020.

12.

In line with the strategies to strengthen the country’s economy and competitiveness, measures must be taken to bolster investment and trade, especially with the creation of ASEAN Economic Community.
Furthermore, the establishment of the National Export Council will reinforce the export chain, logistics and production to boost the exports of the country.

Besides the Government’s effort in promoting a conducive investment environment, the people should also assume their role in maintaining social harmony and stability to attract investors.

Honourable Members, 13.


In the agriculture sector, We hope that the implementation of the National Agro-food Policy will be enhanced with new measures that emphasise on high technology to increase production, create new value-added products and meet increasing demands both domestic and global markets.

We are delighted with the Government’s success in collaborating with strategic countries to stabilise the price of rubber.
It is Our hope that such cooperation could also be achieved to stabilise the prices of other commodities.

Meanwhile, Our Government will continue providing assistance and incentives to smallholders while strengthening the competitiveness of the palm oil and rubber industries.

14.

The tourism sector and creative industry are among the main contributors to the national revenue.
Therefore, We urge the Government to be more aggressive in introducing new tourism products, at the same 6 time highlighting the country’s cultural diversity and arts to attract more tourists.

Malaysians should continue to enhance the culture of cleanliness, promote tourist-friendly environment and interesting places through various channels including social media.

Honourable Members, 15.


Our Government welcomes constructive feedback from all parties regarding the implementation of the Malaysian Education Blueprint 2013- 2025.

The Government’s initiative of emphasising vocational and technical education to produce highly-skilled human capital has been well received.
We also welcome the implementation of the Higher Education Development Blueprint that aims to produce graduates who are knowledgeable, enterprising, skilful and posseses a superior personality that fulfil the needs of the labour market.

Additionally, to encourage creative and innovative culture amongst its citizens, Our Government continues to enhance the social innovation network, driven by science, technology and innovation developments.

16.
16.

Our Government remains committed towards youth development by providing them the opportunity at an early age to lead and shape the nation’s future.

Our youth must rise to meet this challenge and strive to make the revised National Youth Policy a success.

They must also strengthen their resilience to face the increasingly challenging environment.

17.

The Civil Service is indeed one of the pillars of national development.
We are pleased that the on-going public service transformation has shown improvements in performance and integrity of the service delivery for the 7 people.

This is attested to by Malaysia’s improved ranking in the World Bank’s Index of ‘Doing Business’ from 20th in 2013 to 18th in 2014.

This performance can be further improved to position Malaysia at par with advanced countries.

Hence, We urge Government agencies to be more creative and innovative to enhance efficiency in service delivery.

18.
18.

The country has shown its determination to fight corruption as proven in the efforts to improve its ranking in the 2014 Corruption Perceptions Index.

Hopefully Malaysia will better its position with the commitment from all parties to work with the Government to eliminate all forms of corruption.

Always remember, halal sustenance begets a noble generation.

Honourable Members, 19.


We are thankful that measures to improve the quality of life and well-being of the people are essential in the Government’s agenda to ensure the prosperity of the nation can be equally enjoyed by all.

Hence, the Government will continue to undertake high-impact development projects in urban areas that will not only generate economic activities, growth and employment opportunities, but will also increase Government’s revenue that will further facilitate rural development.
The Government will continue to focus on inclusive rural development programmes through the expansion of basic amenity projects especially in the interiors of Peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak including the Orang Asli settlements.

Meanwhile, the implementation of rural transformation programmes remains a priority.

20.

Health contributes to social and economic well-being.
Thus, Our Government is implementing a National Health Transformation System to 8 upgrade the quality of health services and ensure its sustainability, and to be more responsive to the needs of the people.

The Government will also ensure that the people, especially those in the lower income group, will benefit from affordable and quality public and private health services.

Care services and health facilities will be improved to fulfil the needs of the urban and rural population.
We also call upon the people to adopt a healthy lifestyle and maintain a clean environment to stem contagious and non-contagious diseases.

21.

The Government will further upgrade infrastructure and public transportation as well as enhance the efficiency of electricity supply industries and water supply services throughout the country.

22.
22.

Realising the recurring need for affordable housing due to ever increasing population, Our Government is constantly looking for the best mechanism to address this especially for the low and middle-income groups.

This includes facilitating access to financing for the target groups.

23.

The Government is also focusing on increasing the people’s income by implementing the minimum wage policy.
We hope that employers in the private sector will find a mutual approach with employees that will allow effective implementation of this policy.

24.

We are pleased that the productive welfare programmes will be improved to assist recipients in becoming more self-reliant.

Furthermore, the existing laws and policies pertaining to family and children will be enhanced.
With particular regard to women, We hope that a more conscientious effort will be undertaken to provide a support system to 9 enable them to balance career and family responsibilities, which is indeed a social challenge these days.

We would like to call on the Government to intensify empowerment programmes for women especially in economic resources and opportunities.
We are thankful for the focus the Government is giving to realise the full potential of senior citizens and those with special needs in national development programmes.

This will ensure that their interests, welfare and well-being will be safeguarded.

Honourable Members, 25.

A multiracial country such as Malaysia thrives on peace and harmony amongst its citizens of diverse religions, races and cultures.
We are certain that every citizen desires peace and unity, however, it is unfortunate that there are isolated parties who do not subscribe to such values.

Therefore, We advise these groups to stop their irresponsible actions, and We hope the authorities continue to take appropriate measures.

We would like to reiterate the position of Islam as the religion of the Federation which must be upheld and not to be questioned, while other religions may be practised freely.
Differences of opinion on religious issues should be referred to the authorities and not polemicised.

Freedom of speech should be practised with responsibility so as not to create tension among the people.

As a country premised on Parliamentary Democracy and Constitutional Monarchy, we uphold the supremacy of the Federal Constitution and sovereignity of the law.
All parties must also understand that the separation of powers between the executive, the legislative and the judiciary practiced in this country is in accordance with existing laws.

There is nowhere a better place than this blessed land of ours.

Thus respect and accept one another for the sake of peace and stability.

10 Honourable Members, 26.

Malaysia, which subscribes to the wasatiyyah approach, is a small country, but stands tall amongst other nations.
The people of Malaysia are very fortunate to live peacefully.

Our Prime Minister has also made us proud with his pivotal role in formulating the International Maqasid Syariah Index recently.

This is to strengthen Malaysia’s commitment towards implementing Islamic tenets based on the principles of Maqasid Syariah which encompass safeguarding religion, life, intellect, property, and heritage.
This will last only if every Malaysian continues to respect one another and work together to maintain stability and harmony.

Therefore, We urge Honourable Members to always demonstrate exemplary character by upholding and safeguarding the Federal Constitution.

We hope that Honourable Members will deliberate and debate this royal address in an orderly and respectful manner in this august House.

27.
27.

We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the Malaysian Civil Service, the Malaysian Armed Forces, the Royal Malaysian Police as well as all parties who have contributed towards peace, development and prosperity of the nation and the well-being of the people.

Lastly, The Raja Permaisuri Agong and I pray for the continued progress of our beloved country and for the blessings of Allah Almighty.

Wabillahi Taufik Walhidayah, Wassalamualaikum Warahmatullaahi Wabarakaatuh.

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